We had three local teams in the football state championships this weekend. It is a huge accomplishment just to make it to this level. It is amazing that three teams within spitting distance of each other are all there.
The Total Rehabilitation Athletic Training staff was there. Shawn Davies, ATC covers Greenback. Peggy Bratt, ATC was where she always is…on Alcoa’s sideline. And I was there for Maryville High. It is a privilege we don’t take for granted.
At this point in the season, it is often the teams that are healthy that are most successful. Our athletic trainers are a part of that but probably not the most important part.
The unsung heroes in injury prevention are those in charge of strength and conditioning of our athletes. The time in the weight room and in the gym is the foundation for performance but also for injury prevention.
Success on the field or on the court starts in the offseason. And it’s not just getting bigger, stronger, and faster. It is developing balance, coordination, agility, flexibility, and core strength. I preach the core strength sermon all the time.
Think of your core as the foundation that you build your house on. Remember the story about building your house on the sand? Same thing. Knee problems? Work on your core. Shoulder problems? Work on your core. Back problems? Definitely work on your core.
The Strength Coach at Maryville High is Brandon Waters. At Alcoa, it is Brian Nix. Coach Waters is always seeking ways to develop his athletes, particularly when it comes to preventing injuries. I’m quite sure Coach Nix does the same thing.
At the end of the season, Brandon and I will always have a long conversation about what his athletes need to do to prevent injuries. During the season, when someone gets hurt, he is always seeking answers as to why.
There is really no accident to the fact that the football teams at Alcoa, Greenback, and Maryville are in the state championships. In many respects, they are the healthiest teams. And that didn’t happen by accident.
I travel to other parts of the state often and am frequently asked what is the reason for all the athletic success that we have around here. It’s not just football. Look at the soccer teams at Maryville, Alcoa, and Greenback.
For the first time ever, I’m going to give you my opinion on that.
We have great coaches around here. We have great community support. We have kids that buy into their respective programs. We have kids that grow up playing multiple sports. Yes, we have great athletic health care.
We have kids that buy into the concept of team play. We have coaches that are more invested in developing solid, responsible adults than they are in winning championships (I just happen to believe that the two go hand in hand).
Congratulations to the many teams in this community that are out there every day, working hard, striving for success, staying coachable, and learning valuable life lessons.
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